EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team brings in the New Year by opening Great Lakes Valley Conference play Friday and Sunday at the Physical Activities Center. The Screaming Eagles host William Jewell College Friday at 5:15 p.m. and Rockhurst University Sunday at 1 p.m.
USI (8-2) is looking to win its GLVC-opener for the third straight season after defeating Rockhurst, 70-44, to begin league play last year in Kansas City, Missouri. The Eagles are 18-13 all-time in conference-openers and 8-7 under Head Coach
Rick Stein.
Following their win over Rockhurst a year ago, the Eagles traveled to Liberty, Missouri, where the edged William Jewell, 84-81. Senior forward/center
Anna Hackert (Evansville, Indiana) had a career-high 36 points to go along with 14 rebounds as USI evened the all-time series record with the Cardinals at 1-1.
Hackert, who currently leads USI with 15.0 points and 12.2 rebounds per contest, had a game-high 13 points and 11 rebounds in USI's win over Rockhurst last season. The win lifted USI's all-time series record over the Hawks to 9-4.
William Jewell (5-3, 1-0 GLVC) already has a win under its belt in GLVC play, having defeated Rockhurst, 75-58, earlier this month. Sophomore guard Maddie Nelson and senior guard Aerial Smith are averaging 13.1 and 13.0 points per game, respectively, to lead the Cardinals.
Rockhurst (6-3, 0-1 GLVC) has won two straight following its loss to William Jewell. Junior guard Lauren Meyers and sophomore guard Mary Dineen are averaging 13.8 and 12.7 points per game, respectively, to pace the Hawks.
In addition to Hackert, the Eagles are getting 12.4 points per contest from senior forward/center
Mary O'Keefe (Edwardsville, Illinois) and 10.9 points per outing from sophomore guard
Tanner Marcum (New Albany, Indiana). O'Keefe led the Eagles at the South Point Holiday Hoops Classic with 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest, while Marcum chipped in 13.5 points per game to help the Eagles post a 1-1 record.
USI defeated Northwest Nazarene University, 77-62, to begin the South Point Holiday Hoops Classic; but a 71-50 setback the following day to Western Washington University ended the Eagles' eight-game winning streak.
Both games this weekend will be aired on WPSR 90.7 FM, while live stats, video, and audio will be available at gousieagles.com.
